MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — West Virginia’s transfer portal momentum may be about to take a significant leap forward.
According to Pete Thamel, Michael Hawkins Jr. and his younger brother, defensive back Maliek Hawkins, are visiting West Virginia today. Both players are Oklahoma transfers and are expected to move together to their next destination.
If the visit goes as planned, there is growing optimism that both brothers could commit to the Mountaineers as early as this weekend.
Source: QB Michael Hawkins Jr. is visiting West Virginia today. DB Maliek Hawkins is also visiting the Mountaineers. The brothers are Oklahoma transfers and expected to transfer together to next destination. https://t.co/ko2hZ4cxax
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 3, 2026
Michael Hawkins Jr.: A Major QB Target
Michael Hawkins Jr. is the headliner.
The former four-star recruit spent the past two seasons at Oklahoma, appearing in nine games and flashing the dual-threat ability that made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in his class.
Career Production at Oklahoma
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Games played: 9
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Passing yards: 950
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Total touchdowns: 8
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Eligibility remaining: 3 seasons (will redshirt in 2025)
Hawkins’ athleticism, mobility, and comfort operating RPO-based concepts make him a natural schematic fit for Rich Rodriguez and his offense.
If he lands in Morgantown, Hawkins is expected to immediately compete for the starting quarterback job with returning starter Scotty Fox.
Fox showed promise in his first season as a starter, but Hawkins’ experience, recruiting pedigree, and system fit could elevate the competition — and the ceiling — of WVU’s offense.
(185) Michael Hawkins Jr. | 2024 Season Highlights – YouTube
Maliek Hawkins: Help on the Back End
Maliek Hawkins, a freshman defensive back at Oklahoma, is also part of today’s visit and is widely expected to follow his brother to the same program.
While his college résumé is still developing, Maliek brings:
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Power 4 pedigree
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Length and athleticism in the secondary
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Multiple years of eligibility remaining
West Virginia’s defensive backfield has been hit hard by portal departures, and adding a young, high-upside corner with SEC-level experience would be a strategic win for the staff.
Why This Visit Matters for WVU
This is not just another portal visit.
Landing the Hawkins brothers would signal that West Virginia is:
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Winning high-profile Power 4 portal battles
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Prioritizing quarterback talent at a premium level
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Building roster continuity by adding players as a package deal
Quarterback has been the top offseason priority for the Mountaineers, and Hawkins represents one of the highest-upside options currently available in the portal.
What Comes Next
If today’s visit goes smoothly, industry expectation is that:
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Both Michael and Maliek Hawkins commit to West Virginia this weekend
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Michael Hawkins officially enters a QB competition with Scotty Fox
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WVU adds a potential multi-year solution at the sport’s most important position
For a program looking to accelerate its rebuild and raise its ceiling in the Big 12, this visit could be a turning point.
All eyes are on Morgantown today — and the outcome could shape West Virginia football for years to come.
